Austin city parks close at 10 PM and open at 5 AM under Austin Parks and Recreation Department rules. Presence in a city park during closed hours is a violation subject to citation by Austin Park Police. Some parks and greenbelts have specific posted hours that may differ. Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool, and other high-use facilities have individual operating schedules. Special event permits can authorize after-hours use. The Barton Creek Greenbelt and other natural areas also close at dark for safety.
Austin's park curfew ordinance establishes hours when public parks are closed to the general public. Standard park hours are dawn to dusk, with some parks posting specific times (typically 6 AM–10 PM or 6 AM–11 PM). Presence in a park during closed hours constitutes criminal trespass unless the person has a valid permit for an authorized event. Trails within parks may have separate hours. Athletic fields with lighting may remain open until 10–11 PM for scheduled games and practices. Park shelters and facilities rented for events may operate until the specified rental end time. Dog parks may have extended morning hours (5 AM). Rangers, police, and park security enforce curfew through warnings and citations. Texas state trespass laws apply to violators who refuse to leave.
First violation: verbal warning. Second: written warning. Third and subsequent: $50–$250 trespass citation. Refusal to leave: arrest for criminal trespass.
Austin, TX
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